I stay up all night before my flight and force myself to stay awake in the new destination at least until 9 p.m. It works 75% of the time.

3. What is the first thing you do when you get to a new place?

Get local currency.

4. What place has the best food? The worst food?

Best – Cape Town. Worst – Estonia

5. What is one place that changed your outlook on life?

Haiti. I realized I have no reason to complain about anything, ever. I visited tent villages in Haiti after the earthquake and saw devastation, poverty and the look of hope on the faces of hundreds of people. Their faces are a constant reminder to live life fully, share what you’ve been given, and to be a blessing wherever you go.

6. What is your favorite travel quote?

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Mary Ritter Beard

7. Is there any music that inspires you to travel?

Salsa and Caribbean soca music make me want to travel and dance.

8. What is your craziest true travel story?

The time when me and a girlfriend (both fluent in Spanish) almost went to jail in Cuba after getting pulled over at a check point without our passports to prove our American citizenship. Our accused crime—being Cuban while riding in a tourist taxi, which is illegal.

9. How do you think that travel videos can be useful to travelers, even if they aren’t filmmakers themselves?

Travel videos inspire people to visit different destinations, have new experiences, and provide ideas on what to do once you’re there. There are so many unique perspectives on travel and these videos are a gateway into the mind of a fellow traveler’s experience, which is a thousand times better than an ad or a brochure.

10. What is the goal/philosophy of your videos?

To inspire people to Live Better and Travel More by sharing my experiences and what I’ve learned from other cultures, lifestyles and customs.

11. What advice do you have for someone who wants to make travel videos?

Capture a lot of b-roll so you can have enough transitions when editing. My favorite b-roll captures are: country or state flags, street signs, vast landscapes, people walking and enjoying life and cute animals.

12. What is your best travel tip?

Smile, laugh and don’t sweat the small stuff. A smile is internationally appreciated and goes a long way when there is a communication barrier.

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Laos, known officially as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most incredible natural wonders. In this new TripVlogger video series, Matt Dworzanczyk shows us around the charming town of Luang Prabang, underground caves and a temple on a hill at Phou Si, and the mountain village of Nong Khiaw. He also visits the popular Kuang Si Waterfall and the mysterious Plain of Jars. Watch the videos below to see these amazing places for yourself.

Take a deep breath, smile and go on a run! I love exploring a city via foot. I do however wish that I could pack a bicycle so I could cover more ground.

4. What place has the best food? The worst food?

The best food is in Denver, Colorado—my hometown! The city is exploding with a rock’n culinary scene. I am always down for a bite at a food truck or if I want something more upscale, I head to Larimer Square to dine at places like Bistro Vendome and Rioja. Plus, I love that it’s a cinch to find food that is local and organic. And people don’t look at you like you are crazy when you ask who the food provider is. The worst food is yet to be experienced as I have a pretty adventurous palette.

5. What is one place that changed your outlook on life?

The Galapagos Islands because of the animal watching. This place is so unique because humans don’t intimidate animals. They aren’t fearful. It seemed like we were just part of the landscape and they weren’t afraid to go about their daily activities, even with us a few feet away. We saw baby birds fed by their mommas and seals roll around in the sand. I am so warmed to know that a place exists in the world where animals rule the land and we are just visitors.

6. What is your favorite travel quote?

“Not all those who wander are lost.” This quote speaks to me because I love getting sidetracked in a city with no agenda. The people, sights and culture you allow yourself to stumble upon are often the best travel memories. They allow you to have experiences away from the top tourist sights.

7. Is there any music that inspires you to travel?

Yes, a lot of reggae music because it inspires happiness and peace in cultures.

8. What is your craziest true travel story?

The most recent was in Winter Park, CO when I fell off a chairlift. I was so amped because during a ski lesson, I felt a huge improvement in my skiing. So, when it came to getting on the chairlift my mind was in celebration land. I let my ski tips dig into the ground instead of keeping the tips up. I ended up with a good laugh and a mouthful of snow after tumbling five feet to the ground.

9. How do you think that travel videos can be useful to travelers, even if they aren’t filmmakers themselves?

They can inspire travel. I love the way the millennial generation is all about experiences. If I had the choice to own a fancy car or backpack through Europe for a few months there is no question that I would cross borders. The way we are able to share experiences socially and through video has shown people the power of travel. It’s not about material items but the connections you make in the real world.

10. What is the goal/philosophy of your videos?

My videos are meant to inspire people to engage with the world around them. I also want people to know that breaking out of your comfort zone, though terrifying at the time, leaves you with a rush that propels you in so many other aspects of your life. Within the last year I have told my mind to shush by learning to flyboard, longboard, mountain bike, ski and rock climb. Granted, this is no bungee jumping or skydiving but it is a way to break bounds and learn new ways to travel actively.

11. What advice do you have for someone who wants to make travel videos?

To just go for it! Oddly, I was intimidated to make travel videos on my phone. I came from a video production background where we shot on high-end gear and videos needed to be near perfect. I rarely pulled out my phone for videos or interviews because it wasn’t the quality I was used to. I have been shooting on my phone much more and have had some really fun segments turn out. Sure, there may be no striking time lapses or jib shots but the point isn’t always in the production value. It’s showcasing the unexpected in a destination.

12. What is your best travel tip?

Don’t stick to an agenda too much. I always like to go in with somewhat of a plan but I always love taking suggestions from locals or following my instinct to see what I may stumble upon. When I travel, I also find I sometimes try to fit too much in. My mom always tells me to save some things for when I come back and that they will always be there. I am thankful for this advice because it allows me to take in the moment tenfold.

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The latest Travel Together journey with Kelley Ferro and USTOA takes us dancing in Cartagena, Colombia with Avanti Destinations. In this video series, Kelley explores this colonial city and its culture, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. From sea kayaking to joining a local Colombian family for dinner, she discovers plenty of things to do to experience the warmth and vibrant culture of Cartagena. Watch the videos below and find your own Colombian rhythm.

A Colonial coastal city with history, culture and personality in spades, it’s easy to fall in love with Cartagena. What really makes it stand apart is it’s amazing local culture & tradition so come dive right in with me!

There’s plenty to do in the city but sometimes, you need a little R&R. I discovered that it’s easy to find incredible beaches like the ones in Manzanillo as well as jawdropping natural paradises on the Rosario Islands.

Food plays an integral role in the local life of Cartagena and I got a crash course in local cuisine from a chef. We explored the gritty and fascinating Bazurto Market, had a cooking lesson and then I hit up the old city to sample all the international flavors that come together to make Colombian cuisine.

The streets of Cartagena are filled with crafts and local treasures, it’s easy to get your shopping on. Don’t miss Las Bovedas—a former prison that is now converted into shops with local crafts, souvenirs, coffees and more.